Have you wondered how gratitude can be taught? Or how a school can instill community spirit in young children? At Academia de Mi Abuela (AMA), we believe that gratitude is something children best learn by doing, through real actions and connections.
We don’t just talk about kindness; we live it. From our beginnings, AMA has been a school built on values of community, compassion, and cultural pride. Our founder, Cynthia Mendez Reimann, created AMA because she wanted a school that reflected her family’s values. A place where children from all backgrounds would feel welcome and loved. So, how do we keep that vision alive today?
Let’s explore three ways AMA builds community and teaches the importance of giving back.
1. Building Community Through Involvement
At AMA, we believe the best way for kids to feel a part of their community is through getting involved in meaningful ways. Whether it’s visiting a local nursing home, gathering food for a neighborhood pantry, or creating art for a community center, our students participate in activities that make a difference.
These experiences aren’t just about giving back, they’re about seeing how their actions impact others. Our students learn that even small acts of kindness, like a handmade card or a friendly smile, can brighten someone’s day. They begin to understand that they’re part of something bigger than themselves. And isn’t that what we all want for our children?
2. Creating a Supportive, Family-Like Atmosphere
At AMA, we make sure every child feels that same warmth and support. From day one, we’ve aimed to create an environment that feels like family—where students, teachers, and parents all come together to create something special.
Our teachers are more than just educators; they’re mentors, role models, and caring friends. They show up every day with dedication and love, offering each child a safe space to learn and grow. This support isn’t one-sided. As children watch their teachers care for them and each other, they start to reflect that same kindness back. We see it in how they interact with their friends and how they care for their classroom. Isn’t that a beautiful thing to watch?
We also believe that parents play a huge role in our AMA family. Through school events and activities, parents and families are invited to join us in building a community of gratitude and respect. The result? Children who feel deeply connected to both their home and school lives.
3. Encouraging Daily Acts of Kindness and Empathy
What’s the most important lesson in gratitude? For us, it’s that gratitude and kindness go hand in hand. At AMA, we teach children to be kind in small, everyday ways—sharing materials, comforting a friend, or lending a helping hand. We believe that every act of kindness plants a seed of gratitude.
To bring this to life, we love using storytelling. Our classrooms are filled with bilingual books that explore themes of empathy, kindness, and compassion. These stories teach our students about the world around them, helping them to see life from other people’s perspectives. When children begin to understand others’ experiences, empathy naturally follows. And as we know, empathy is the foundation of a grateful heart.
In our classrooms, these small moments of kindness don’t go unnoticed. We celebrate them, and as we do, children learn that their kindness matters and that it’s noticed and valued. Over time, these little moments build up, creating a classroom culture rooted in empathy and gratitude.
The Heart of AMA: Gratitude in Action
So, why do we focus so much on gratitude? Because we know that gratitude, kindness, and community will shape the way our students view the world. These aren’t just nice words, they’re principles we live by. Every part of our school reflects our commitment to creating a nurturing, supportive space where children can thrive.
At Academia de Mi Abuela, we’re more than just a school; we’re a community of families and educators who believe in the power of giving back. Every day is a chance to learn, grow, and show gratitude, preparing our students to make the world a kinder, more compassionate place.
Join Our Community
If you’re looking for a preschool that emphasizes cultural diversity, creativity, and community, we’d love to welcome you to AMA. Located at 5201 Park Blvd, Piedmont, CA, we’re currently enrolling for Fall and Winter 2024-2025.
Come see for yourself the warmth, joy, and gratitude that make AMA unique. Schedule a virtual or in-person tour today by calling or texting us at 510-697-0002, or email admissions@amachildcarecenter.com. At AMA, every child is valued, every family is welcome, and together, we build a community rooted in gratitude and love. Adelante!
